Head of Secondary

O Castro British International School, a thriving and inclusive institution located in Vigo, Spain, serves over 700 students in both Primary and Secondary education. Our curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum for England as well as the Cambridge International Curriculum for KS3 in English, Maths, and Science, alongside IGCSE and A Levels. As a member of the Globeducate group, we provide our staff and students with exceptional opportunities for professional and educational advancement.

Globeducate encompasses a network of more than 70 schools across three continents, catering to over 40,000 students daily. Each school is committed to academic excellence while equipping students to become global citizens. Originally established in Spain in 1972 as NACE schools, Globeducate enables our students to enjoy unparalleled opportunities for international study within our network. Additionally, the group organizes various events throughout the year, such as a Music Festival, mini Olympics, and art exhibitions.

We are currently seeking a passionate and capable Head of Secondary to join our leadership team:

In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the academic and holistic growth of our students. This senior leadership position demands a harmonious blend of high academic standards, empathetic pastoral care, and precise operational management.

Essential Criteria:

• Possess a valid teaching qualification

• Have at least 5 years of teaching experience

• Demonstrate experience in team leadership

• Achieve a C2 level of English

Additional Criteria:

• Showcase a successful history of strategically improving student outcomes.

• Have experience in developing and executing action plans.

• Ability to identify priorities and areas needing development.

• Exhibit strong communication, leadership, and organizational abilities.

• Be dedicated to collaborating positively and constructively within the Senior Leadership Team.

• Show enthusiasm for propelling the school forward and instigating change.

Part 1: Academic Leadership & Curriculum Oversight

You will be accountable for the strategic direction and excellence of our secondary education program, ensuring the IGCSE and A Level curricula are delivered to the highest standards.

• Curriculum Design: Supervise the mapping and implementation of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (IGCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A Level) frameworks to guarantee vertical alignment and academic rigor.

• Quality Assurance: Perform regular lesson observations, work scrutinies, and data reviews to uphold teaching and learning standards.

• Data Analysis: Track student progress through standardized assessments; identify trends, underperformance, and high achievers to apply targeted interventions.

• Professional Development: Mentor and lead Heads of Department, facilitating workshops focused on contemporary pedagogical methods and subject mastery.

• University Pathways: Collaborate with the guidance team to ensure the A Level curriculum equips students with the necessary qualifications for prestigious global universities.

Part 2: Pastoral Leadership & Tutor Management

You will cultivate a secure, inclusive, and ambitious school culture by supervising the frontline staff tasked with student welfare.

• Line Management of Tutors: Direct the team of Form Tutors, ensuring they provide consistent guidance, conduct efficient registration, and maintain precise attendance records.

• Student Wellbeing: Serve as a key member of the safeguarding team, overseeing the pastoral care system to support students’ social and emotional growth.

• Behavior for Learning: Develop and enforce a clear code of conduct, managing significant disciplinary issues while recognizing student achievements.

• Parental Engagement: Act as the primary liaison for secondary parents, hosting information evenings and managing complex parent-teacher communications.

Part 3: Operations & Daily Cover Management

As a senior leader, you will oversee the operational aspects of the school, ensuring the secondary division runs smoothly, even during staff absences or special events.

• Daily Cover Coordination: Manage the schedule for covering absent teachers, ensuring effective learning continues by fairly deploying internal staff or coordinating with external supply agencies.

• Timetabling Input: Collaborate with the Timetabler to optimize the secondary schedule, reducing "split classes" and maximizing the use of specialist IGCSE/A Level facilities.

• Staff Duty Rotas: Create and manage staff duty rosters (recess, lunch, and bus duties) to guarantee student safety and adequate supervision across the secondary campus.

• Event Logistics: Oversee the operational planning for secondary-specific events, including Parent-Teacher Consultations, Prize Giving ceremonies, and IGCSE/A Level options evenings.

• Resource Allocation: Manage the secondary budget for classroom resources and departmental requests, ensuring academic departments are equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Safeguarding Statement:

At Globeducate, we prioritize safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to uphold this commitment. Candidates selected for this role will undergo safeguarding and police checks and must provide at least two professional references.

We are equally committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable working environment. We take pride in our culture that promotes equal opportunities regardless of race, color, culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, or age. We actively strive to integrate individuals with diverse abilities and promote equal opportunities, ensuring that everyone working with us has the same potential for professional growth and development.

DEIJB Statement

At O Castro British International School, we are devoted to creating a learning environment that honors diversity, advocates for equity, ensures inclusion, advances justice, and nurtures a sense of belonging for everyone in our community.